No problem with people actively trying to be more confident or just practicing being more sociable etc, but the slightest scent of social manipulation, trying t

No problem with people actively trying to be more confident or just practicing being more sociable etc, but the slightest scent of social manipulation, trying to get something out of me, or anything scripted borders on "pick-up artist" repulsion. Being in the UK is particularly difficult and I get the impression eastern Europe is similar or the same. Getting an honest and authentic reply to every day questions seems impossible. But I also understand that there is some weird cultural requisite of toughness and not making a fuss getting in the way of authentic conversations with strangers.